Exploring…Esholt Village and Woods
If you're after a walk with a bit of character, a good pint, and plenty of sniffs for the dog — Esholt is a good choice. Tucked away between Leeds and Shipley in West Yorkshire, this little village is full of charm, telly nostalgia, and woodland paths perfect for muddy paws. I had to cover this one as it’s quite literally down the road!
Where is Esholt?
Esholt is one of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it villages — unless you're an Emmerdale fan, in which case you'll definitely know that pub. You’ll find it just outside Guiseley and close to Baildon, easy enough to get to from Leeds or Bradford but still feeling like countryside.
It’s a sleepy place on first glance, but scratch the surface (or take a wander down one of the leafy lanes) and you’ll find plenty to love. The map below shows how to access the village.
Fancy a pint at The Woolpack?
Esholt was the real-life setting for the village of Emmerdale (or Emmerdale Farm, as was at the time) from the 1970s right through to the mid-90s. And yes — the Woolpack is very much real. These days it’s a lovely village pub, still called The Woolpack, and it’s dog-friendly too.
Pop inside for a pint or a pie (or both). It’s a proper local – none of that trendy nonsense – and they welcome walkers and soggy dogs. I don’t actually watch Emmerdale myself but occasional coach trips still run to the village on bank holidays and the like so people can have a wander around and a drink in the original Woolpack Inn.
What’s Esholt like?
Think stone cottages, winding country lanes, and a village green that wouldn’t look out of place on a chocolate box. It’s quiet, friendly, and surrounded by greenery — the perfect place to start or end a ramble. There’s a timeless feel about the place, like it hasn’t changed much in years (in a good way).
Esholt’s Woodland Walks
The real star of the show (for the dogs at least) is the woodland surrounding Esholt. Esholt Woods (sometimes called Spring Wood or Jerrison Wood, depending where you enter) is a gorgeous network of woodland paths, open fields, and dappled light. It’s brilliant for dogs — loads of space to run, streams to splash in, and sticks to chase. We always take Pullan Lane which is to the left of the pub, follow the path, go left at the top and walk along the road for two minutes. You’ll see an opening to the woods there.
The terrain’s a mix of proper woodland trail and wider bridle paths, so whether you fancy a short stroll or a longer circular walk, there’s plenty of choice. In spring, there are carpets of bluebells. In autumn, golden leaves and conkers. And in summer it's downright glorious. There aren’t any designated car parks, but parking is free in the village and I’ve never found it too difficult to get a spot. Just remember to keep your dog on a lead until you get into the woods, as there can be sheep and other livestock around.
Esholt Woods Circular Dog Walk
This walk takes in ancient woodland with seasonal blooms (bluebells in spring, autumn colours) , and streams & footbridges (ideal for a splash, sniff, and cool down). Trails are well-trodden but varied and turn-offs allow easy customisation of walk length or route direction (we’ve walked all the way to the Stansfield Arms at Apperley Bridge before). If you don’t fancy going all that way, then a short return to The Woolpack means drinks are not too far away.
Distance: ~3.1 miles (5 km)
Time: 1–1½ hours
Terrain: Mixed woodland trails, footbridges, occasional muddy patches, gentle ascents (~120 m gain)
Difficulty: Easy–moderate (watch for mud and stream crossings)
Sat nav: BD17 7RP
